"Are you two alright?" Satoshi asked gently, brushing dust from his sleeve.
The brave girl, still trembling from the ordeal, nodded slowly. "Th-thank you," she whispered. "You saved us."
Satoshi gave her a small, reassuring smile. "It's no problem. Just make sure to stay safe. Those adventurers were shady—I wouldn't want you two getting caught up in something like that again."
The girls exchanged glances before the shy one stepped forward, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind her ear. "I'm Eleanora Wynthorpe… from House Wynthorpe," she said softly, barely meeting his eyes.
"And I'm Alessia Aurelthorn," the braver girl added with a confident grin. "House Aurelthorn. Noble blood, but not stuck-up about it."
Satoshi chuckled. "Satoshi Yamamoto. I'm from a small fishing village in Veltrum."
"We were heading to the Magic Academy to take the entrance exams," Alessia explained, her voice firmer now. She had a confident stance, her green eyes filled with pride and frustration. "Then those men ambushed us. They wanted our belongings—maybe even worse. If you hadn't come along—"
"I'm just glad I was nearby," Satoshi replied.
"You were so amazing just now," said Alessia.
"I've had some training," Satoshi said modestly, scratching the back of his head. "I'm actually heading to the Magic Academy too. Hoping to pass the entrance exam."
Eleanora's eyes lit up. "Really? Then we're all heading to the same place!"
"We thought you were already an adventurer," Alessia added, grinning. "You took them down like it was nothing!"
"We'd be honored to escort you, Sir Satoshi," Alessia said with an exaggerated bow and a playful smile. "As thanks for saving us."
He laughed. "Alright, alright. No need for the 'sir.' Let's go. Magic Academy, here we come."
When they reached the hilltop path that led to the capital's famed Magic Academy, the scenery shifted from rural charm to breathtaking grandeur. The sun had just begun its descent, casting a golden glow over the land. At the end of a long cobblestone road stood the academy—a sprawling masterpiece of architecture, nestled within high ivory walls and adorned with towering spires that pierced the sky.
Dozens of arched windows reflected the sunlight like mirrors, and intricate runes shimmered faintly along the walls. A magical aura hung in the air, alive and ancient, humming faintly in the bones of anyone who dared draw close. The main gate, guarded by two massive statues of winged lions, stood open in welcome.
Students in blue and white uniforms strolled across the grounds—robes of deep navy embroidered with silver thread, pristine white sashes, and crests representing their families or regions. Some students carried staffs tipped with glowing crystals; others wore enchanted rings or brooches. Their expressions were a mix of excitement, nerves, and pride. Chatter filled the air, punctuated by bursts of laughter and spells being casually tested.
Satoshi stopped in place, unable to tear his eyes away. "It's… beautiful."
Eleanora stepped up beside him, her smile soft. "It really is."
Alessia nodded, arms crossed, eyes gleaming. "Even after all the stories I've heard, this place still manages to impress."
"Everyone who came for the entrance exams is gathering over there," Alessia said, pointing toward a circular courtyard bustling with hopeful applicants.
Satoshi nodded, following close behind. The atmosphere was thick with energy. Some students nervously reviewed scrolls, others performed breathing exercises. Satoshi found himself smiling at the mix of ambition and anxiety in the air.
As they passed through the crowd, Satoshi accidentally bumped into someone.
The impact wasn't hard, but enough to knock the stranger back a step. In that moment, the leather cord around Satoshi's neck snapped, sending his pendant—a small, chipped crystal encased in bronze—clattering to the stone path.
The boy who'd been bumped into landed with a soft grunt, robes fluttering as he caught himself. His hair was neatly styled, golden and slicked to one side. His cloak was trimmed in silver and bore the crest of a noble house.
Satoshi moved quickly. "Oh—sorry! Are you okay?" He offered a hand.
The boy looked up, his glare sharp. With a sneer, he slapped Satoshi's hand away.
"How dare you bump into me, Kielbasa of House Van Halden!" he snapped. "Watch where you're going, peasant!"
Satoshi blinked, taken aback. "It was just an accident—"
"Silence!" Kielbasa barked. "Is that your excuse? Ugh, look at you. Your clothes—torn, threadbare. You reek of the lower streets."
Alessia stepped forward, fists clenched. "Kielbasa, that's enough. He apologized."
But Satoshi raised a hand, stopping her. His gaze dropped to the ground—right where his pendant had fallen.
Before he could pick it up, Kielbasa stepped forward and crushed it beneath his polished boot. A soft crack echoed as bronze and crystal gave way.
"Oh dear," Kielbasa mocked, twisting his heel. "Was that valuable to you? What a shame. I suppose to commoners, even worthless trinkets hold meaning."
Satoshi's breath caught, his fingers curling. But his voice remained calm. "Please. Move your foot."
Kielbasa grinned wider. "And what if I don't?"
He ground his heel again, this time until the pendant shattered completely. Tiny fragments scattered across the stone, glinting like broken glass.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"...Body enhancement," Satoshi muttered quietly.
A soft shimmer pulsed around his right arm. It was subtle—visible only to those paying close attention. Then, with a movement too fast for the eye to follow, he caught Kielbasa's wrist and swept his legs from under him.
The noble hit the ground with a hard thud.
The crowd hushed.
Satoshi crouched and gathered the broken pieces, letting them rest in his palm. His expression was unreadable.
"You… you dare?!" Kielbasa roared, scrambling to his feet. "You'll pay for this! Water Magic: Aqua Lash!"
A whip of water formed midair, lashing out. It struck Satoshi square in the chest—soaking him entirely.
But he didn't flinch.
"...Really?" he said flatly. "That was it?"
Kielbasa hesitated, stunned.
Satoshi stepped forward, this time enhancing two fingers. With a flick of his hand, he struck Kielbasa's forehead with just enough force to knock him backward. The noble boy flew several feet before crumpling to the ground, unconscious.
A heavy silence blanketed the courtyard.
Alessia's jaw dropped. "That was… incredible."
Eleanora approached with wide eyes. "Satoshi… are you alright? That was kind of scary."
Satoshi ran a hand through his dripping hair. "I'm fine. Just a little soaked."
"Here, let me help," Eleanora said softly. "Wind Magic: Gentle Breeze."
A soft current of wind wrapped around him, lifting the moisture from his clothes and hair until he was completely dry.
Satoshi looked down at his now-fluffy tunic, slightly ruffled from the spell. "Wow. You've got amazing control."
Eleanora blushed. "It's just basic wind magic…"
"No way," Alessia chimed in, grinning. "You were the amazing one. I didn't even see you cast a single spell—and you still won."
Satoshi shrugged modestly. "I try not to attract attention."
But it was far too late for that.
Dozens of students were now whispering his name. His fight with Kielbasa had spread like wildfire. Some were in awe, others wary. Even the instructors watching from afar had taken note.
Far above, inside a quiet classroom overlooking the school grounds below, a boy stood by the window, watching the scene unfold with interest.
A girl beside him spoke. "Are you alright, Alistair? It's not like you to daydream for so long."
He turned his gaze slightly, eyes still focused outside. "I'm fine. Just... curious about the new students taking the entrance exams. They all seem rather interesting."